Halter Training with Killerton Park Run
April has been a very busy and successful month with Bull sales. Refreshing to have some new enquiries and people are beginning to alter the markets they are aiming for and it’s a real pleasure to put limousin bulls on to new farms, replacing other breeds. The new clients are reacting to the lower top weights required by abattoirs together with the need to improve conformation and killing out percentages but the basics of easy calving and high growth rates are still coming to the fore.
I went to Holsworthy Market (Kivells) for the annual South West Limousin Club Sale with three 2015 born bulls – winning reserve champion with Killerton Larch. Killerton Lincoln won his class and Killerton Limestone was second in class. Trade was buoyant with the larger stronger bulls – top price for Loosebeare was 4800 guineas and I had a respectable 4500, 3900 and 3000 guineas for the youngest bull.
Killerton Limousin Spring Grazing
Calving is going ahead quite rapidly and the stock have enjoyed a lovely dry month. The downside, however, is grass is not growing as it has been very cold at night (down to -2) with hot sunny days (up to 18 deg. C)
Rain came on the last day of the month which was a welcome relief.
On the arable side crops are looking well – barley is just beginning to come out in ear and all nitrogen/sprays have been applied.
Maize was planted during the last week, in dry conditions, and has gone in well.
The stockman position still not fulfilled after a number of interviews. A wide variety of applicants have come forward and continue to apply so it is taking longer than anticipated to find the right person.
I am taking a bulls to Carlisle Sale 6 May and Brecon 13 May and my first show outing will be at Devon County Show on 18thMay with a young team.